Mounties describe 'fluid mayhem' of active shooter situation in Vanderhoof, B.C.
Authorities have released more details on the active shooter situation that sent the community of Vanderhoof, B.C., into lockdown Thursday, including an alarming account of bullets "flying past work stations" at the local RCMP detachment.
More than a dozen people were working inside when a gunman opened fire on the detachment at around 12:15 p.m., causing employees to throw themselves to the ground to avoid being struck, Mounties said Friday.
"I am told that bullets from a rifle smashed through exterior windows, striking walls, equipment, and flying past work stations where police officers and office staff sat," Chief Supt. Warren Brown of the North District RCMP said in a statement.
"With the serious level of threat and fluid mayhem, it is remarkable to believe no one was hurt and the suspect was arrested safely."
The suspect, whose name and age have not been released, remains in custody.
Authorities have not commented on a possible motive, but said they believe the shooting was a targeted attack on police and that there's no ongoing threat to the small northern B.C. community, located about 100 kilometres west of Prince George.
Vanderhoof's approximately 4,400 residents were told to "stay inside or shelter in place" as the tense incident unfolded early Thursday afternoon, and officers put up roadblocks around town as they worked to locate the gunman.
An emergency message was also sent out to cellphones in the surrounding area warning residents and visitors to keep away as the alleged shooter was driving around in a white Ford pickup.
Videos posted to social media captured a pickup matching that description surrounded by RCMP vehicles, and officers approaching with their guns drawn.
"I get an emergency alert text message there's an active shooter in Vanderhoof and as we're pulling into town the guy is getting busted at Kal Tire!" one Facebook user wrote.
Chief Supt. Brown thanked the public for calling 911 and delivering real-time information on the suspect's whereabouts and description, which he called "integral pieces of information" leading to the arrest.
The Vanderhoof RCMP detachment remained closed Friday for forensic examination, but authorities said the investigation will not disrupt officers' ability to respond to calls.
Police asked anyone who recorded cellphone or dash-cam video of the incident or aftermath to share it with law enforcement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Quebec to limit sperm donations per donor after 3 men from same family father hundreds of children
Quebec is looking at tightening the regulations around sperm donation in the province following the release of a documentary that revealed three men from the same family fathered hundreds of children.
How to overcome 'savings guilt' when you're living paycheque to paycheque
As the higher cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, many Canadians find they have even less left over at the end of every month to squirrel away for the future.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.